His eyes narrowed, and she knew that they had.
I see. Okay, then, she agreed, feeling a little relief at the reprieve, deciding it was probably best for him to handle Nick as he saw fit. Youd better stop by. Last week I was terrible in rehearsals, so I really need to go over the script.
But no sooner was he gone than her whirling emotions centered on her secret and him and she was unable to concentrate. Her need to confess made her as uncertain as a young girl in the throes of first love, and she could do nothing except worry about what Nick might say against her.
Hours passed. Unable to focus, she stared at the daisies and her script.
Her phone rang. When she saw it was Gram, she answered it, glad of the distraction.
Ive got some news. I was calling to invite you and Zach over to dinner. I could tell you then.
Ill ask Zach See what he says. If they went out to dinner, it would be more difficult to find the perfect moment to confess.
Tell Zach Im cooking chicken and Andouille gumbo, crawfish étoufée and a shrimp salad. Oh, and those chocolate-chip cookies he loves so much. Maybe after dinner we could play Hearts.
When Gram hung up, Summer remained as unfocused as ever, even as she comforted herself that it was all right not to work, that sometimes procrastination was part of any actresss process.
Finally, Zachs car roared into the drive out back. Jumping up, breathing hard, she ran to a tall window where she stood until she saw a reporter. Only with the greatest effort did she tiptoe back to the table, pick up a pen and sit down before her script. But when Zach walked through the front door and called to her, she answered with her next breath.
In here! Working! She giggled at that last.
He strode inside the kitchen and kissed her. Sorry it took so long. I hope you got something done.
I tried, she said evasively.
Her frustration must have shown because he ran his knuckles up the curve of her neck. Sounds like somebody needs a holiday.
Right Its your fault I couldnt work. I was thinking about you the whole time you were gone.
Ditto. He swept her into his arms and devoured her mouth in a dizzying kiss.
As eager as he, she tore off her clothes while watching him do the same. They ended up making love on the kitchen table-but only after shed removed the precious daisies for safekeeping.
Oh, she said, while they were dressing afterward. I almost forgot and Gram would have killed me
What?
She said she had something to tell us, and she invited us over for dinner tonight.
It must be nice, having family to share things with, he said.
She realized it was, even if Gram had her own ideas about how Summers life should be and never stopped pushing for her own agenda.
I take it thats a yes, she said.
Zach would never know exactly at what point that night he knew for sure that no matter what shed done in the past, no matter what the masses believed, Summer was the one woman who was essential to his happiness. Nothing spectacular happened; it was simply a very special evening.
To elude the paparazzi, he had a pair of doubles drive away in his Mercedes so he and Summer could slip out the back to the dock and take his airboat. As they sped along the glassy water, laughing like children, the sun glowed like gold in the cypress trees, turning the bayou into a gilded ribbon of flashing darkness and light.
Summers hair whipped back from her pale face, and her heavily lashed blue eyes shone every time she glanced at him as if she were as exhilarated by his nearness as he was by hers. She wore a navy dress with tiny white buttons and held the filmy skirt down with hands pressed against her knees.
Why had he thought he couldnt get beyond their past and her fame? Despite the betrayals, when they were together, he forgave her everything and felt as comfortable around her as he had as a kid. Upon reaching Violas rambling old plantation house, he followed Summer around the yard as she stooped in the tall grasses to pick wild violets for the dinner table while amusing him with tales about her funniest roles. In turn, he talked about all the various disasters that could befall a construction project.
I cant believe a giant crane costing millions can actually topple over, she said, sounding amazed.
Yes, we were so lucky nobody was killed, we didnt even care about the money.
They smiled and laughed together. Holding hands, they carried armfuls of violets into the house, which was redolent with the smell of Cajun spices. Together they looked for a vase and finished setting the table while Tuck followed them around like a lost puppy.
Tucks very good at looking like hes doing something when he isnt, Summer whispered when steaming dishes needed to be carried to the table and her brother chose that moment to say he had to go to the bathroom.
Hell grow up. Youll see.
We keep hoping
Zach enjoyed the simple dinner party. When Viola started tapping her crystal goblet filled with ruby-red wine, Zach felt Summer tense beside him.
Careful, Gram. Mamas crystal, she chided.
Gram shot her a look. Im always careful with dear Annas crystal. I was only trying to get your attention, dear. She took a deep breath. And now that youre all listening-I have something to tell you, something I couldnt be more thrilled about. Her sharp blue eyes sparkled like a naughty childs.
Oh, no, now what have you gone and done? Summer asked.
In the flattering candlelight and in her soft gray dress with those sharp, mischievous eyes dancing, Viola looked years younger than her age.
Well, your Gram has bought herself a condo in Plantation Alley.
Without even telling me, Summer said, shocked.
I told you I was thinking about it, didnt I? It was such a good deal. I had to snap it up. Besides, youre never here, dear. If you lived closer, maybe Id form the habit of confiding in you.
Well, Im here now, Summer said. Ive been here all weekend.
I wouldnt dream of disturbing you, child, her grandmother replied innocently, slanting a pointed glance at Zach. And you didnt drop bynot till I invited you.
Zing, Summer murmured in Zachs ear.
Stop whispering, you two! I want to hear everything thats said at my table.
He squeezed Summers hand.
Do you want to hear about my new condo or not? Viola asked peevishly.
We want to hear, Summer soothed.
Viola brought them a folder that contained a colorful brochure spelling out the amenities of the complex as well as a contract and a copy of the deposit shed put down. Then she described the condo shed bought in detail. Several of her friends already lived in the complex, so shed have lots of company for playing Hearts. The clincher was that Silas approved. He simply adored the cozy window with the view of the bayou where he could sit and watch birds.
The girls and I sort of thought that if we lived in the same complex we could look after each other, call one another every day, you know.
The girls are her Friday Lunch Bunch, Summer explained. They eat together every Friday at a restaurant another friend owns. Thats where they hatch their mischief, which mainly has to do with thinking up schemes to meddle in my and Tucks lives.
We do not!
Zach picked up the contract and scratched a few things out, added a sentence or two, explaining why hed made the changes.
Im not sure I understand, Gram said.
Just take this to Davis first thing Monday. Tell him I sent you. Hell take care of you.
Gram nodded. It has three bedrooms, so therell be room for you and Tuck to stay anytime.
Well, thats a relief. Im glad youre not kicking me out, Tuck said.
You wont have to move out on your own, until youre ready, dear. And, Zach, youre always welcome. Silas is so fond of playing Hearts with you.
Gram! Im sure Zachs had enough of Silass opinions for one evening, Summer teased.
Well, whos going to speak for him, since dear Silas wont speak for himself?
Exactly, Summer said.
Tuck hadnt said much during dinner, but hed come to the table with his hair combed and had answered all Zachs questions about his classes. The small changes in him pleased everyone since he was mildly enthusiastic for a change.
The gumbo and spicy étoufée were delicious.
All in all, it was one of those rare, pleasant evenings, a family evening, the kind of evening Zach hadnt experienced since his Uncle Zachs death. He felt like he belonged-with Summer, with all of them. Suddenly, the past and its pain didnt matter quite so much.
Suddenly, he wanted nothing more than to start over with Summer.
Realizing that thanks to Tucks misbehavior, they had already started over, Zach took Summers hand, turned it over in his own, drew it to his lips. For a second he caught a haunted expression in her eyes, but when she flashed him a dazzling smile, he forgot where he was. He would have planted a quick kiss on her cheek if he hadnt caught a very pleased Gram watching his every move. Not in the habit of public displays of affection, he let go of Summers hand in the next instant.
When dinner was over, they retired to the card table where Grams three guests conspired to let her win more than her fair share of the games.
It was a perfect evening, Gram said after theyd helped her clear the table. As they stepped out onto the porch, the black, misty darkness was filled with the cloying scent of honeysuckle and the glorious roar of cicadas. They were saying their goodbyes, and Summers beautiful face was aglow beneath the porch light.
He loved her, Zach realized.
Love. He hated the word. Hed sworn never to fall under its dark power again, but here he was, lost in its grip. After everything shed put him through, it was stupid of him, terrifying for him, but he wanted to claim her-to marry her.
He loved her, Zach realized.
Love. He hated the word. Hed sworn never to fall under its dark power again, but here he was, lost in its grip. After everything shed put him through, it was stupid of him, terrifying for him, but he wanted to claim her-to marry her.
When her beaming grandmother read the emotion in his eyes, she closed the door and wisely left them alone. Like a fool, the minute they were alone, he wanted to get down on bended knee in the damp St. Augustine grass and propose.